Full Breakdown
College Football's 2025 Season: A Year of Underachievement
1/13/2026, 9:47:49 PM
Overview of the Underachievers
The 2025 college football season was marked by significant underperformance among several high-profile programs, leading to unexpected coaching changes and disappointing outcomes. Notable teams such as Penn State, Clemson, and LSU failed to meet their preseason expectations, culminating in a tumultuous bowl season that highlighted their struggles.
Penn State's Disappointing Season
Penn State entered the 2025 season with high hopes, ranked as a preseason top-3 team. However, the Nittany Lions quickly fell from grace, suffering a double-overtime loss to Oregon followed by a significant defeat at UCLA. The team ended the season with a 2-21 record against top-6 ranked opponents, marking the second-worst performance by any FBS head coach in history. Head coach James Franklin was dismissed after a three-game losing streak in Big Ten play, a stark contrast to his previous success, which included 104 wins, the second-most in the program's history.
Clemson's Collapse
Clemson, led by head coach Dabo Swinney, faced a disappointing season despite having a talented roster. The Tigers, once ranked in the top five, ended the year with six losses, including a notable defeat against Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl. The team's struggles were exacerbated by home losses to SMU and Duke. Swinney's decision to hire former assistant Chad Morris as offensive coordinator raised questions about the program's direction, as the Tigers sought to rebound from their worst season since 2010.
LSU's Struggles Under Brian Kelly
LSU's season was characterized by unmet expectations, as head coach Brian Kelly had guaranteed a College Football Playoff appearance. The Tigers' performance deteriorated after an early loss to Ole Miss, culminating in a humiliating defeat against Texas A&M. Following the season, Kelly filed a lawsuit regarding his $54 million buyout after being fired, claiming the athletic director lacked the authority to terminate him. Despite the turmoil, Kelly remains unemployed yet financially secure.
South Carolina's Regression
After a promising 2024 season, South Carolina regressed significantly in 2025, finishing with a 1-7 record in SEC play. Under head coach Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks struggled offensively, ranking last in several key statistical categories. The team's inability to maintain leads in critical games, including a 27-point halftime advantage against Texas A&M, led to the dismissal of offensive coordinator Mike Shula after just one season.
Colorado's Downward Spiral
Deion Sanders faced mounting pressure at Colorado, where the Buffaloes finished the season with a disappointing 3-9 record. The team struggled significantly after losing key players, including Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. With only a dozen recruits signed for the 2026 class and a high player turnover rate, Sanders must improve the program's performance to secure his future as head coach.
Conclusion
The 2025 college football season served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the sport, with several programs failing to live up to their potential. As these teams look to rebuild and recover, the upcoming 2026 season will be crucial for their respective coaching staffs and fanbases.
